During trips to La Gonave, a young man, Michael Samuel(20 something), came to our attention.He works to help orphans and teaches in a local school. Several months (years?) ago, he suffered significant burns in a cooking fire..to the side of his head/ear. Only the open ear canal remains–with bad scarring on the entire side of his head. His vision was not damaged, but about 1/2 of his skull was badly burned and is now just scars. Of course, no medical care.

He has been trying to find someone to help him with plastic surgery to at least give him a “ear” to protect the canal; provide a more “normal” feature for him. One NGO group has told him they raised approx 1500 EU for surgery..which has raised his hopes for assistance.However, they are in Australia, and frankly 1500 EU is a drop in the bucket for what he really needs.

As I see it(in my admittedly limited knowledge), he needs assessment to determine what can be done, a plan developed, costs identified,
travel/etc/housing/VISA/host family (TBD-but the Austrailian funds could cover travel I would think) and surgery (s) if indicated. I do have a medical request form from a Doctor in La Gonave who indicated Mr. Samuels damage required assistance beyond what can be found in Haiti and a photo of the damaged area. I do not have any idea of what might be possible for him with the ongoing medical work being done by various US based groups now in Haiti in regards to Plastic Surgery.
Can you suggest who to discuss his situation and possibly help?I have request out to Interplast.org (a group who does pro-bono work for burns in Haiti) –Doctors Without Borders–and others, some of whom we transported into Haiti at the height of the crisis. No responses yet.

I know Michael is not in danger at this time (I hate to think of the pain he was in when first burned…), but psychologically..he is in need of assurance that hes not forgotten and to give him hope of a more ‘normal’ look. Since I don’t know what he was told is possible–from reconstruction to prostetic ear/implant. The photos of the burn area–lets say there is nothing much left to work with as to skin or hair in the affected area-its totally denuded.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Joan Conover
Near Norfolk Va
11225 Beechwood Pte
Smithfield VA 23430
http://www.sv-growltiger.com
757 593 4919

I went to the CPS website looking for skin care options and stumbled across your blog. Judging from the above photograph, you not only made a difference in the wake of disaster but also created a lasting memory in the heart and mind of that little boy. There’s no greater gift than to give a child a chance at life. And seeing that picture actually reaffirms my belief in adoption. Thank you for sharing your experiences in Haiti.

Adrienne